Extendable tool caddy

ABSTRACT

The present invention presents a device for holding tools while working on motor vehicles or other equipment while bridging a working area. The device includes a housing defining a chamber adapted to hold tools available for use by a worker, while the worker works at a work area. The device also includes at least one extendable support connected with the housing, the extendable support adapted to bridge an opening in the working area when the extendable support is in an extended position. In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the housing includes a tray arranged to be positioned within the housing when the device is closed, and accessible to a worker when the device is open. Further, without limitation, the tray may include magnets, pads, molded pockets, tool clips, hook and loop connectors, or cutouts adapted for holding tools.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to tool holding devices and, more specifically, to toolboxes or tool caddies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A wide variety of toolboxes and tool holders are available for mechanics working on motor vehicles and other equipment. Toolboxes can include general purpose toolboxes or special boxed sets such as ratchet sets including a ratchet wrench and matching sockets. Such toolboxes and sets commonly have metal or plastic containers designed to rest on a floor or a flat surface when opened in order to access the tools inside.

[0003] When a mechanic is working in an engine compartment or under the hood of a motor vehicle, or other equipment, there is often no surface on which to place the toolbox.

[0004] Therefore, an unmet need exists for a lightweight and easy to use tool holder that is readily accessible to a mechanic working on a motor vehicle or similar device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention presents a device for holding tools while working on motor vehicles or other equipment, while bridging a working area. The device includes a housing defining a chamber adapted to hold tools available for use by a worker. The device also includes at least one extendable support connected with the housing, the extendable support adapted to bridge an opening in the working area when the extendable support is in an extended position.

[0006] In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the housing includes a tray arranged to be positioned within the housing when the device is closed, and accessible to a worker when the device is open. Further, the tray may, without limitation, include magnets, pads, molded pockets, tool clips, hook and loop connectors, or cutouts, adapted for holding tools.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings.

[0008]FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary tool caddy of the present invention in an extended configuration;

[0009]FIG. 2 is a top view of an exemplary tool caddy of the present invention in a contracted configuration;

[0010]FIG. 3A is a side view of an exemplary tool caddy of the present invention in place on an automobile;

[0011]FIG. 3B is a top view of an exemplary tool caddy of the present invention in expanded configuration in place on an automobile;

[0012]FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary tool caddy of the present invention in a contracted position;

[0013]FIG. 5 is a side view of an exemplary tool caddy of the present invention in a partially expanded configuration;

[0014]FIG. 6 is a cross-section of an exemplary tool caddy of the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 7A is a top view of an exemplary tool caddy of the present invention with a test light and a light bar;

[0016]FIG. 7B is a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with a light bar;

[0017]FIG. 8 is an exemplary tool tray of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 9 is an exemplary securing attachment for the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] By way of overview, the present invention presents a device for holding tools while a worker works on motor vehicles or other equipment. The present invention presents a device for holding tools while bridging a working area. The device includes a housing defining a chamber adapted to hold tools available for use by a worker, while the worker works at a work area. The device also includes at least one extendable support connected with the housing, the extendable support adapted to bridge an opening in the working area when the extendable support is in an extended position.

[0020] In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the housing includes a tray arranged to be positioned within the housing when the device is closed, and accessible to a worker when the device is open. Further, without limitation, the tray may include magnets, pads, molded pockets, tool clips, hook and loop connectors, or cutouts adapted for holding tools.

[0021]FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary tool caddy 5 implementing the present invention. The caddy 5 is suitably implemented utilizing a housing 10 enclosing a tool tray 20. In this embodiment the tray 20 slides into the housing 10. The housing 10 has a handle 14 for carrying the caddy 5. In this embodiment the tray 20 slides into and out of the housing 10 like a drawer. The tray 20 includes magnets 22 for holding tools (not shown) in place on the tray 20.

[0022] Extending from the tray 20 is an extension 40. The extension includes an extension support 42 adapted to rest on the equipment being serviced by the worker or mechanic. The extension support 42 is linked to the tray 20 with a pair of first extension bars 44 and a pair of second extension bars 46. The first extension bars 44 and second extension bars 46 permit the extension support 42 to be extended from the housing 10 and the tray 20 a distance sufficient to permit the tool caddy 5 to bridge or span an opening in a working area (not shown) such as the engine compartment between opposing fenders of a motor vehicle.

[0023] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the housing 10, opposite from the extendable support 42, includes an attached second support 12, or rest, also adapted to rest upon the equipment being serviced. The tool caddy 5 thus bridges an opening in the equipment being serviced when the extension support 42 is placed on one side of the opening, and the second support 12 is placed on the other. It will be appreciated that the second support 12 suitably may also be configured in a similar manner as the extension support 42 to extend from the housing 10.

[0024] The extension support 42 in this embodiment is separated or extended away from the second support 12 by extending the tray 20 from the housing 10, and extending the extension support 42 from the tray 20 by extending the first extension bars 44 and the second extension bars 46.

[0025] The tray 20 slides from within the housing 10. The first extension bars 44 are linked to and suitably slide within and may be extended from the tray 20. The second extension bars 46 are linked to and suitably slide within and may be extended from the first extension bars 44. The extension support 42 is linked with the second extension bars 46. The second support 12 and the extension support 42 suitably may include a retaining device including padding, magnets, suction attachments, weights, or vinyl-like cling flaps, all of which are configured to aid the caddy 5 in firmly resting upon the equipment being maintained. It will be appreciated that cling flaps advantageously hold the caddy 5 to the equipment being maintained by surface adhesion or suction and are simultaneously flexible, compact, and lightweight. In this embodiment, the extension support 42 extends sufficiently away from the second support 12 to bridge opposing fenders under an open hood of a motor vehicle, such as an automobile. This extension support 42 permits the worker to have immediate access to tools while working on the automobile engine (not shown) under the hood (not shown).

[0026]FIG. 2 is a top view of the caddy 5 in a contracted configuration. The tray 20 and first extension bars 44 and second extension bars 46 are all contracted, and are not visible in this view. The extension support 42 in this embodiment is shown partially within the housing 10. When the extension support 42 is in its contracted position, the tray 20, first extension bars 44 and second extension bars 46 are contracted within the housing 10. In this embodiment, the extendable support 42 does not contract completely within the housing 10 when the extendable support 42 is in the contracted position. The second support 12 projects from the housing 10 on an opposite side of the housing 10 from the extendable support 42. The housing 10 includes a handle 14 suitably allowing the tool caddy 5 to be carried by the worker when the tool caddy 5 is in its contracted position.

[0027]FIG. 3A shows the caddy 5 viewed from the side, in place on an automobile 2. The caddy 5 is in its extended position permitting the extendable support 42 to suitably rest on a fender 3, while the second support 12 rests on the another fender 3, as shown in this example, underneath the open hood 4 of the automobile 2. In this embodiment, extending the extendable support 42 into the extended position or configuration opens the tray 20 from within the housing 10, allowing tools in the tray 20 to be accessible by the worker working on the automobile 2.

[0028]FIG. 3B is a top view of an exemplary tool caddy 5 resting in place on fenders 3 of an automobile 2. In its extended configuration, the caddy 5 bridges the two fenders 3 of the automobile 2. The extendable support 42 rests on a fender 3. The extendable support 42 is linked with the second extension bars 46, which are extended from the first extension bars 44, which are in turn extended from the tray 20. The tray 20 is extended from the housing 10. The housing 10 is linked with the second support 12 which rests on an opposing fender 3 of the automobile 2. It will be appreciated that by bridging the fenders 3 of the automobile 2 in this fashion that the tray 20 is readily accessible to a worker working on the automobile 2.

[0029]FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary tool caddy 5 of the present invention in a contracted position. The extendable support 42 is partially withdrawn into the housing 10. The second support 12 is attached to the housing 10 on a side of the housing 10 opposite from the extendable support 42. The housing 10 has a handle 14 for carrying the caddy 5.

[0030]FIG. 5 is a side view of an exemplary tool caddy 5 of the present invention in a partially expanded configuration. The caddy 5 has a housing 10 with a second support 12. The housing has a handle 14 for carrying the caddy 5. In this view, it can be seen that the tray 20 slides from or nests into the housing 10. The first extension bars 44 slide from or nest into the tray 20 and the second extension bars 46, slide or nest into the first extension bars 44. The extendable support 42 is linked with the second extension bars 46, and is configured to at least partially nest within the housing 10 when the extendable support 42 is in the contracted position.

[0031]FIG. 6 is a cutaway cross-section of an exemplary caddy 5 of the present invention. The caddy 5 has a housing 10. A tray 20 suitably slides from or nests within the housing 10 utilizing a slider 21. In this embodiment, the tray 20 functions like a drawer able to withdraw into and be pulled out from the housing 10. The housing 10 and the tray 20 are slideably connected with the sliders 21. It can be appreciated that the tray 20 may be suitably fixed within the housing 10, and accessed through a hole or openable lid (not shown) in the housing 10, or the tray 20 and the housing 10 may suitably be a single unit.

[0032] The tray 20 has two sidewalls 23. The sidewalls 23 enclose the first extension bars 44 and the second extension bars 46. The first extension bars 44 have a slide linkage 43 with the sidewalls 23 of the tray 20. In this embodiment, the tray 20 is suitably a hard plastic, and the first extension bars 44 are metal and have a slide linkage 43 to the side wall 23 of the tray 20. The slide linkage 43 includes the first extension bars 44 directly sliding against the sidewalls 23, within the side walls 23.

[0033] The second extension bars 46 are metal and have a slide linkage 45 with the first extension bars 44. In this embodiment the second extension bars 46 nest alongside the first extension bars 44 permitting both the first extension bars 44 and the second extension bars 46 to fit within the sidewalls 23 of the tray 20. In this exemplary embodiment, the slide linkage 45 includes the second extension bars 46 directly sliding against the first extension bars 44, and being partially within or surrounded by the first extension bars 44.

[0034] The tool caddy 5 of the present invention may also include built in or attachable tools or features that aid the worker in maintenance or repair work while using the tool caddy 5. In FIG. 7A, an exemplary caddy 5 includes a light bar 60 for illuminating the equipment being worked on, and a test light or test indicator 68 adapted for electrical testing of the equipment or vehicle being worked on. The housing 10 encloses the tray 20. The extension support 42 and extension bars 44 and 46 are not shown. The tray 20 is linked to a light bar 60 which contains one or more lights for illuminating the equipment being worked on (not shown) underneath the tray 20. The light bar 60 is powered by a wire linkage to two electrical clips 64 which may be connected to a battery of the motor vehicle or equipment being worked on. A cigarette lighter plug (not shown) arranged for plugging into a motor vehicle's cigarette lighter socket (not shown) or a standard 110 volt AC plug (not shown) may suitably be substituted for the electrical clips 64 for providing power to the light bar 60. The embodiment shown in FIG. 7A also includes a test indicator 68. The test indicator 68 may be a probe or a simple light indicating the presence of power, or may include a timing device or other instrument used for diagnosis by the worker.

[0035]FIG. 7B is a bottom view of a tool tray 20 of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7A. The tray 20 includes a light bar 60 with a series of lights 62 configured to shine away from the bottom of the tray 20. FIG. 7B is a bottom view of the tray 20. It can be appreciated that when the tray 20, configured by way of example as a drawer, is extended from the housing 10 (not shown), the lights 62 are exposed and when energized illuminate the equipment being worked on.

[0036]FIG. 8 is an exemplary embodiment of a tray 20 of the present invention configured to hold specific tools, and provide an area for tools to rest temporarily. The tray 20 includes tool cutouts 24 configured to hold socket wrench sockets, wrenches, and screwdrivers (shown in dashed lines). It will be appreciated that any suitable configuration of tool cutouts 24 matching the desired tools to be held in the caddy 5 may be utilized. The tray 20 further includes magnets 22, which in this embodiment are suitably magnetic strips attached to the tray 20. The magnets 22 hold tools in place against the magnets 22. The tray 20 further includes a lay down area, in this exemplary embodiment a rubberized mat 26, where tools or parts may be set temporarily while the worker performs the maintenance or repair work on the underlying vehicle. It will be appreciated that the tray 20 suitably, by way of example but not limitation, may include molded tool pockets, tool clips, fabric type pockets, or hook and loop closures, all adapted to hold tools or parts desired for the ongoing repair or maintenance work, although magnets 22 provide advantageous flexibility in holding tools or parts in the caddy 5.

[0037]FIG. 9 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a suction attachment 48 for the tool caddy 5. The suction attachment 48 holds the extension support 42 of the tool caddy 5 securely to the equipment being worked on (not shown). In this embodiment, the suction attachment 48 is a suction cup, suitably attached with a strap 49 to the extension support 42. A similar suction attachment 48 (not shown) in an exemplary embodiment may also be linked to the second support 12 (not shown). It can be appreciated that weights, padding, vinyl-like cling flaps, or magnets 22 may be suitably utilized as securing devices to assist in holding the caddy 5 in place against the equipment being worked on (not shown). As described above, cling flaps advantageously hold the caddy 5 to the equipment while simultaneously being flexible, compact, and lightweight.

[0038] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for holding tools while bridging a working area, the device comprising: a housing defining a chamber adapted to hold tools available for use by a worker while the worker works at a working area; and at least one extendable support connected with the housing, the at least one extendable support adapted to bridge an opening in the working area when the extendable support is in an extended position.
 2. The device of of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a tray arranged to be positioned at least partially within the housing when the device is in a closed configuration with the extendable support in a contracted position, and the tray arranged to be accessible by the worker when the device is in an open configuration with the extendable support in the extended position.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the tray includes at least one tool holder.
 4. The device of claim 2, wherein the tray includes at least one magnet adapted to hold tools.
 5. The device of claim 2, wherein the tray includes one of a pad, a molded pocket, a tool clip, a hook and loop closure, and a tool cutout, adapted to hold tools.
 6. The device of claim 2, wherein the tray includes a slidable attachment within the housing, the slidable attachment adapted to position the tray at least partially within the housing and to arrange the tray to be accessible by the worker when the extendable support is in the extended position.
 7. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one retaining device, linked with the housing, arranged to hold in place adjoining the working area.
 8. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one magnet, linked with the housing, arranged to hold in place adjoining the working area.
 9. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one flap, linked with the housing, arranged to hold in place adjoining the working area.
 10. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a weight, a suction cup, and a pad, linked with the housing, arranged to hold in place adjoining the work area.
 11. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one light source, arranged to illuminate the work area.
 12. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one test device, arranged for performing tests within the work area.
 13. A device for holding tools and for bridging between two opposing fenders of a motor vehicle, the device comprising: a housing including a tray adapted to hold tools; and at least one extendable support attached to the housing, the at least one extendable support adapted to extend by sliding a distance sufficient for the housing and the at least one extendable support to bridge between the two opposing fenders under an open hood of the motor vehicle when the at least one extendable support is in an extended position, and the at least one extendable support further adapted to withdraw by sliding to a position at least partially within the housing when the at least one extendable support is in a contracted position.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the tray includes at least one tool holder.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the tray includes at least one magnet adapted to hold tools.
 16. The device of claim 14, wherein the tray includes one of a pad, a molded pocket, a tool clip, a hook and loop closure, and a tool cutout, adapted to bold tools.
 17. The device of claim 14, wherein the tray includes a slidable attachment within the housing, the slidable attachment adapted to position the tray at least partially within the housing and to arrange the tray to be accessible by the worker when the extendable support is in the extended position.
 18. The device of claim 13, further comprising at least one retaining device linked with the housing, arranged to hold in place adjoining the work area.
 19. The device of claim 13, further comprising at least one cling flap linked with the housing, arranged to hold in place adjoining the work area.
 20. The device of claim 13, further comprising at least one of a weight, a pad, a suction cup and a magnet, linked with the housing, arranged to hold in place adjoining the work area.
 21. The device of claim 13, further comprising at least one light source, arranged to illuminate the work area.
 22. The device of claim 21, wherein the at least one light source is arranged to be powered by a connection with a cigarette lighter socket.
 23. The device of claim 13, further comprising at least one test device, arranged for performing tests within the work area.
 24. A device for holding tools and for bridging between opposing fenders of a motor vehicle over an engine and under an open hood of the motor vehicle, the device comprising: a housing with a first end and a second end, the housing including a drawer adapted to hold tools configured to open and close through the first end, the housing including a rest adapted to lay upon a motor vehicle fender attached with the second end; and an extendable support attached with the drawer, the extendable support to adapted to lay upon a motor vehicle fender and adapted to extend by sliding a distance from the rest sufficient for the rest and the extendable support to lay upon the opposing fenders of the motor vehicle, respectively, when the at least one extendable support is in an extended position, and adapted to withdraw by sliding to a position at least partially within the housing when the extendable support is in a contracted position.
 25. The device of claim 24, wherein the drawer includes at least one tool holder adapted to hold a tool.
 26. The device of claim 25, wherein the tool holder includes at least one magnet
 27. The device of claim 25, wherein the tool holder includes one of a pad, a molded pocket, a tool clip, a hook and loop closure, and a tool cutout.
 28. The device of claim 15, further comprising at least one retaining device, linked with the housing, arranged to hold in place adjoining the work area.
 29. The device of claim 28, wherein the retaining device includes at least one cling flap.
 30. The device of claim 28, wherein the retaining device includes at least one of a weight, a pad, a suction cup, and a magnet.
 31. An apparatus for holding tools while bridged between opposing fenders of a motor vehicle, the apparatus comprising: means for holding at least one tool; means for extending for bridging between the opposing fenders; and means for contracting when not bridging between the opposing fenders.
 32. The apparatus of claim 31, further comprising means for securing to the opposing fenders.
 33. The apparatus of claim 31, further comprising means for illuminating a work area.
 34. The apparatus of claim 31, further comprising means for performing diagnostic tests. 